Post-Game Grades: Pacers beat Pistons in a shootout

Indiana Pacers shoot a season-high 58% from the field to outscore the Detroit Pistons.

The Good: The Pacers won their third-straight game and the offense was a joy to behold. The ball movement, the extra passes, the aggressiveness. It was all working as the Pacers shot season-high percentages from the field and three-point range. Five players, including two off the bench, scored in double figures.

The Bad: The defense. The Pacers were a top-10 ranked team in defensive efficiency since their last visit to Detroit in mid-December. None of that was on display tonight as the Pistons shot 53% through three quarters, getting almost everything they wanted. It picked up for the first 9 1/2 minutes of the fourth, allowing only 12 points, but the late game collapse turned a 14-point lead into three in less than two minutes.

LVP: The Palace. It was the Pacers’ last regular season game there… and good riddance. I’ve been there on a few occasions. It’s a dump. Detroit deserves better than traveling 40 minutes outside the city to see their team.

Paul George

Small Forward,Indiana Pacers

A

Poured in 32 points, 12 in the 4th. He’s scored at least 30 points in 3 of the last 4 games. He wanted to have more fun. He’s having it.

Jeff Teague

Point Guard,Indiana Pacers

B

Scored 17 points, had 8 assists, but committed 5 turnovers and had trouble containing Reggie Jackson at times. Still, he did what the Pacers need him to do offensively. Use his quickness to get in the lane, force help, and create havoc.

Myles Turner

Center,Indiana Pacers

B-

Had a tough matchup with Andre Drummond, but scored 17 points. He’s scored in double figures and shot 52% from three-point range in the last 15 games.

Thaddeus Young

Power Forward,Indiana Pacers

B-

Had a solid outing with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Hit a couple of long twos with his foot on the line. Got to clean that up.

Glenn Robinson III

Small Forward,Indiana Pacers

B

Played confidently in his starting role, scoring 8 points and hitting two 3-pointers. Had a key block on Reggie Jackson at the rim while the Pistons made a push.

Monta Ellis

Shooting Guard,Indiana Pacers

A

If the Pacers get “Have It All” Monta off the bench, they’ll be ecstatic. Scored 16 points on 6-of-6 from the field. He didn’t force anything and looked like he has his rhythm back.

C.J. Miles

Shooting Guard,Indiana Pacers

B-

Played 12 minutes and hit a three-pointer. Couldn’t get his shooting rhythm, but grabbed four rebounds and played some solid defense.

Al Jefferson

Center,Indiana Pacers

B-

Couldn’t get much going from the field, but did have 3 assists in limited minutes. He did develop some chemistry with Ellis in pick-and-roll which lead to nine points in four possessions in the 2nd quarter. That’s something to watch in future games.

Aaron Brooks

Point Guard,Indiana Pacers

B-

Hit a three and had two assists in 14 minutes, but didn’t do much else.

Kevin Seraphin

Center,Indiana Pacers

B+

Scored a season-high 10 points and had 5 rebounds. Took advantage of his matchup against smaller defenders in the post. Got lost a few times on defense, particularly in transition.